7 Steps for Selecting an Urgent Care EMR

As technology becomes a standard tool in more professions, the resources used become more accessible, more protected, and provide the ability to more efficiently track progress and changes over time.

3. Check how medication information can connect
Let’s be honest. We are all busy. It would be impossible for doctors to remember or keep track of all medications a patient is taking or has taken. Often, it is impossible (or at least difficult) for patients to come into the office every time they need a new prescription or a refill. With the right EMR program, these concerns are a thing of the past.

An EMR system should allow doctors to upload medication history and keep track of the medications that a patient is currently taking. If someone is taking more than one medication, this feature allows doctors to understand how the medications may interact before prescribing them, which is crucial to make certain of for patient health. Following this step, an EMR system must have the ability to send electronic prescriptions to pharmacies so that patients do not need a paper slip to receive their medication.

4. How can appointments be made?
As mentioned above, when selecting an EMR program, a fanciable feature is the ability to track appointments and make them when the patient sees fit. Some EMR solutions can alert patients via email, phone, or other means when an appointment needs to be made, which can save your urgent care center a load of time and keep the system running smoothly and quickly, and patients do not need to feel the pressure of making a follow up appointment directly after their appointment, but rather when they are ready, comfortable, and certain.

5. Really understand what is included
Knowing the provided features is not enough. Be sure you have a good understanding of the layout and the style of preloaded notes used in each specific EMR. The size and type of facility you provide may require a different set of preloaded data than another facility. Try to minimize the data preloaded into templates as not to overwhelm workers adjusting to the new system, but make certain that all aspects needed are provided for the most efficient turnaround.

6. How much support does your team need?
EMR systems should come with support. In a case of assistance is needed, it is important to understand the support that is offered along with your EMR program. Have a good grasp on how to contact them, where they can be contacted, and when.

Along with considering support, check in with the team members who will be interacting with the EMR software. Getting a read on their comfort with the system implementation may help you pick a system that comes complete with the support needed to back your team up. In addition, some EMR systems offer training. If this is the case, find out how that training may take form. Make sure that room is cleared for this implementation, and whoever may need contact to the support has it.

7. Double check
Before signing up for everything and even before considering too many options, take inventory of where your urgent care center is and where you want it to be. While many vendors may sell the illusion of efficiency, look closely into their claims and make sure they are able to deliver. It is acceptable to ask a vendor for a list of references. They should be able to prove their worth before they gain your trust, time, and money.

Conclusion
Utilizing EMR software is a chance for your team to work more efficiently, and your patients to leave happier, healthier, and have less stress throughout the process of dealing with healthcare—an already stressful process. Understanding the possibilities of productivity that an EMR may provide, prioritize what it is that your urgent care center needs most, and make sure your team is prepared for the change. EMRs mean progress, and with the right EMR software, your urgent care center can end up on top.